MERJE are partnering with a new bank currently undergoing PRA/FCA authorisation to recruit a Head of Operational Resilience.

This is a unique opportunity to join at an early stage and take first line ownership of operational resilience, business continuity and third party risk management, while playing a key role in building the bank’s risk and controls framework from the ground up.

The role will evolve over time, with the successful candidate initially operating as an individual contributor before building and leading a small team.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Resilience

• Design, implement and embed the operational resilience framework, including Important Business Services, impact tolerances and scenario testing
• Lead the annual self-assessment process and ongoing regulatory alignment

Business Continuity Management

• Establish and maintain the BCM framework, policies and plans
• Develop and deliver scenario testing to ensure operational readiness

Third Party Risk Management (TPRM)

• Own the end-to-end TPRM lifecycle, including onboarding, due diligence, monitoring and exit planning
• Maintain the third party register and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements
• Support the onboarding and oversight of key supplier and partner relationships

Controls & Assurance (Year 2)

• Design and implement a first line controls and assurance framework
• Introduce independent first line testing and support the ongoing maturity of controls
• Build and lead a small team

Broader Risk Oversight

• Act as a key risk partner to the Operations function
• Identify emerging risks and provide structured insight to senior stakeholders
• Contribute to governance forums and risk committees

Candidate Profile

• 8-12 years of relevant experience within operational resilience, third party risk management and/or business continuity in a PRA/FCA regulated environment
• Strong understanding of first line risk ownership and the three lines of defence model
• Proven ability to design and implement frameworks and processes
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills

Desirable Experience

• Experience supporting a bank through authorisation or mobilisation
• Exposure to challenger banks, fintechs or start-up environments
• Experience building or contributing to controls or assurance frameworks
• Interest in or exposure to AI / automation within risk management

Why Apply?

• Opportunity to build and shape a risk function from inception
• Clear pathway to leadership and team build-out
• Exposure to a high-growth, digital-first banking environment
• High level of ownership and visibility with senior stakeholders